Stir together oats, amaranth seeds, salt and raisins in a medium-size microwave-proof bowl. Bring 2/3 cup water to a boil and pour over mixture. Add maple syrup and stir together, then cover bowl with a plate and leave it out on the counter overnight. (Or refrigerate if you prefer.)

In the morning, place bowl (still covered by the plate) in the microwave and cook for 2 minutes on 100 percent power. Remove from the microwave and very carefully remove plate from top of bowl. (Bowl will be hot, and steam will rise from cereal.) Stir the mixture. If it is not yet thick, cover again and return to microwave. Cook 1 to 2 minutes longer, until the mixture is no longer watery.

Transfer to a serving dish. Coarsely grate apple over cereal and stir in. Drizzle on more maple syrup and, if desired, add a little milk, and walnuts or almonds.

To cook on stovetop: Use a small saucepan rather than a bowl. In the morning, heat the oatmeal in the pot over medium heat, and when it begins to simmer, stir until thick, about 5 minutes.

Sure, holiday baking traditions are great. But isn't it time to try a new sweet treat this year? The Holiday Cookie Finder has every winning recipe from our annual baking contest from the past 14 years.

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